Mobilizing the Grassroots for Environmental Action through Eco Champions: Lessons from the Anglican Communion

The Women, Faith & Climate Network (WFCN) continued its Collaboration Workshop Series with a vibrant second session on June 24th, 2025. This gathering spotlighted the powerful role women of faith play in mobilizing grassroots climate action across Southern Africa — with a focus on the growing “Eco Champions” movement. With 77 participants from diverse regions and faith traditions, the session explored how women-led faith networks are transforming churches into hubs for climate education, advocacy, and sustainable living.

What is an Eco Champion? Rooted in faith and community, Eco Champions are women and youth leaders driving local environmental change — from planting trees and harvesting rainwater to greening worship spaces and mentoring future leaders.

Highlights from the Session:

●        Meisie Lerulta of the Mothers’ Union shared how over 40,000 women across 24 dioceses are leading church-based sustainability efforts, with a strong focus on rural training and partnership.

●        Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash, founder of Green Anglicans, emphasized youth leadership and the role of mentorship, visibility, and culture — even through symbolic tools like branded T-shirts — in building movements that last.

●        Jo Chamberlain from the Church of England introduced tools from the “Eco Church” strategy, showing how churches can track emissions, reduce energy use, and integrate climate into faith practice.

🗣 In small group discussions, participants exchanged ideas on training future Eco Champions, building interfaith story circles, and designing resource hubs for continued collaboration.

This workshop wasn’t just about ideas. It was a glimpse into what’s already working — and what’s possible when women of faith lead the way.

📥 Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/XZsDapN0Ozw 📘 Read the full report: https://www.womenfaithclimate.org/_files/ugd/1da9d9_edfaac324fe044f6b85d7b17b073cbfb.pdf

Workshop Presentations & Materials:

• Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash – Green Anglicans

• Meisie Lerulta – Mothers’ Union & Eco Champs

• Jo Chamberlain – Church of England Environment Programme

What’s Happening Across the Network?

The June 24th Eco Champions workshop was part of WFCN’s three-part Collaboration Workshop Series — an interfaith journey showcasing the power of women-led climate action from the grassroots.

Missed Workshop 1? On June 2, the series kicked off with a deep dive into women-led sustainable agriculture in East Africa. From seed saving to climate-smart farming, the session highlighted how faith and food justice go hand in hand. 

Read the recap and explore resources here: https://www.womenfaithclimate.org/post/resources-from-radical-collaboration-workshop-1

Just Completed – Workshop 3: The final session, held on July 22, explored how women of faith across South Asia are powering renewable energy solutions — from solar cooperatives to clean cooking innovations — through radical partnerships and shared purpose. Blog and resource page coming soon: www.womenfaithclimate.org

Why It Matters These workshops aren’t just conversations — they’re catalysts. Across agriculture, energy, and community action, women of faith are stepping up as changemakers, mentors, and movement-builders. WFCN is here to scale what’s working and build lasting connections across borders and traditions.

Get Involved: 

✔ Explore the blogs and toolkits 

✔ Share your story or project with WFCN 

✔ Invite women from your networks to join the movement 

✔ Express interest in co-hosting a future session.